[drwillb]

OP, thank you very much for the DIY. I've got a 5/2012 135i with n55 and, although the n54 procedure is very similar, I could not have done this without you!! There are a hundred n54 write ups and videos but I didn't see any for the n55 even after months of research while at work.

I had everything going smooth until I realized that the valve cover would not come out....period. That's when I did more Google-ing and came across this thread.

One thing I would add: in addition to removing the passenger wiper, lifting up the black plastic trim under the wiper, and removing the center piece where the strut bars go through, I found that moving the additional black plastic trim on the passenger side was critical to getting the cover back in without knocking the gasket out of place. It took 3 failed attempts to then see this additional piece was in the way. Loosen the one nut and just lift out of the way, same as the wiper trim piece.

Thanks again.